WINNIPEG – Bernadette Smith, the NDP candidate for Point Douglas, welcomes the start of the Point Douglas byelection.

“I’m excited for the official start of this campaign and eager to debate ideas to make this a more vibrant community for our families,” said Smith. “I’m proud to carry the NDP banner and look forward to continuing the legacy of social justice, community building and strong representation of former NDP MLA Kevin Chief.”

“The Point Douglas byelection is the first opportunity for voters in Manitoba to send a clear message to Brian Pallister that it’s not acceptable to close emergency rooms, increase class sizes and cut front-line services that families count on.”

The Pallister government has broken its campaign promise to protect front-line services and front-line workers, while making life more difficult for families, minimum wage earners, seniors and post-secondary students.

“For months, I’ve been reaching out to the community and have heard loud and clear from residents that they do not support Pallister’s agenda of cuts and privatization,” said Smith. “While the Manitoba Liberals support federal cutbacks to health-care funding and campaigned on liquor sale privatization, the NDP has been steadfast in opposing Pallister and standing up for public services. Only the NDP can stop Pallister, and I look forward to working with residents to fight Pallister’s cuts to the programs and services local families count on.”

Smith is a long-time community activist, born and raised in Point Douglas. Her advocacy work on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and as a founding member of the Drag the Red initiative has earned her national recognition and the Order of Manitoba. She is a teacher with the Seven Oaks Division WayFinders program and serves on a number of inner-city volunteer boards.